NFL Insider: hazing's fallout

FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2013 file photo, Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito (68), second from left, and tackle Jonathan Martin (71), third from left, sit on the bench in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans. Two people familiar with the situation say suspended Dolphins guard Incognito sent text messages to teammate Jonathan Martin that were racist and threatening. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins and NFL haven't disclosed the nature of the misconduct that led to Incognito's suspension. Martin remained absent from practice Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, one week after he suddenly left the team. (AP Photo/Bill Feig, File)
The Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2013 file photo, Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito (68), second from left, and tackle Jonathan Martin (71), third from left, sit on the bench in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans. Two people familiar with the situation say suspended Dolphins guard Incognito sent text messages to teammate Jonathan Martin that were racist and threatening. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins and NFL haven't disclosed the nature of the misconduct that led to Incognito's suspension. Martin remained absent from practice Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, one week after he suddenly left the team. (AP Photo/Bill Feig, File)

The evidence includes at least one voice mail message containing a racial slur, a threat and other unprintable insults.

"I think he probably took it a little too far," McClain said.

McClain's current coach, Mike McCoy, probably would agree.

"We do not allow hazing here," said McCoy, who is 11th months into his first head-coaching job.

Chargers rookies carry veterans' helmets to and from the practice field and give them first dibs in the training room. A rookie may be required to sing his alma mater's fight song as part of team-building activities in the summer. But McCoy, a former quarterback who trained with several NFL teams, said he made it clear from the start that there will be no hazing -- rookie initiation practices that have more edge to them than warbled odes to one's school.

"It's tough enough in this league for a young player to make it in the NFL. To have to worry about coming in one morning to shave heads -- that is not allowed here," McCoy said.

He added: "We don't want you to be just a number. We are a family here, and that's one big thing we stress."

The Dolphins likely considered themselves a family, too. Incognito was a member of their so-called leadership council, as voted by teammates this season.

People can change, but Ignito had a history of bad behavior on and off the field that led several NFL teams to remove him from their draft boards.

ESPN reported that Martin paid $15,000 to help finance a trip to Las Vegas by a group of Dolphins last summer, even though Martin did not go on the trip. ESPN reported that Martin chose to pay Incognito rather than go, fearing the consequences if he did not pay the money. Incognito tweeted a harsh denial to ESPN.

Martin, said to have been fed up with Incognito, left the team for emotional reasons. The Dolphins say they're done with Incognito, reports the Miami Herald.

The Dolphins have lost two starting blockers, one of whom, Incognito, made the Pro Bowl last year. The reasons for their absences aren't entirely clear, but tolerating, even enabling a culture of bullying may have played a role.

If the Chargers' anti-hazing policy and loud proclamation of it aren't the NFL norm, they will be.

Hazing elsewhere in the NFL, such as it exists, will be targeted in coming months. League executives will decide it has to be further curbed, if not eradicated, because of its potential to overly empower bullies. Follow the money. The risk to revenue growth outweighs the perceived rewards of bonding and enforcing hierarchy that hazing may promote. The NFL has an image to maintain with corporate sponsors and fans. This is a league that describes its game as the ultimate team sport.

Preventing lawsuits may also drive the response. Aspiring players aren't likely to sue the league, but workplace-discrimination lawsuits are filed all the time by former employees. Further, given the new collective bargaining pact that is squeezing many veteran players' salaries, it may be in the league's financial interests to protect younger players to come.